Keywords and keyword phrases with "commas"

[LD]

I have an associate that has an old set of keywords that use repetitive words within different keyword phrases separated by commas. With the following partial example of what he has been using, the word "computer" is used several times. This is only a small sample of the phrases used as there are at least 10 other phrases with the word "computer" in it:

computer hardware sales, computer software sales, computer sales and service, computer sales canada,

Are these phrases interpreted as different and unique keyword phrases or is it interpreted as cramming the word "computer" in many many times.

Do the commas actually separate the keys or not as I have seen several versions of this around - with and without commas used.

I appreciate comments and interpretation.

[Duncan Pollock]

For some time the consensus has been that you need to use commas in any list of meta keywords/phrases.
It makes sense, otherwise how can a search engine know where one word/phrase ends and another begins?
If you like, the rule can be found in your grammar book, which says -- or ought to be saying -- that "a comma separates what is supposed to be separated, but it should not be used to separate two inseparables."
As for repeating a word in several phrases, what can you do except this? I mean computer hardware sales, software, and service, canada (i.e. all duplicated words deleted) certainly wouldn't be interpreted by the search engine the way you'd want it to be, would it?

Duncan

[LD]

Yes. I agree, but have heard a couple of theories on this which is why I ask the question. Repeating a word in a keyword phrase could be interpreted as cramming it in and I wondered if anyone has any negative results with SE's because of this.

Re the use of commas - again I agree - it makes sense to use them, however, I have seen other site's meta keyword tag filled with keywords without the comma.

[Duncan Pollock]

If I can ride the grammar idea a little further, the rule is what's called tautology (i.e. unnecessary repetition, such as in "kill him dead" when what else can he be if you've killed him?).
Extending this principle to meta keywords, you can say one thing only once and never twice. Thus, all your present list is doing is simply reflecting the fact that there is a difference between computer hardware and computer software, right? Indeed, anyone who says you're wrong in this is, ahem, wrong.
Or if I can remain with the concept of language usage, there are often synonyms for words/phrases and these are not repetitions but alternatives. Given this, you could extend your sales and service phrase to the likes of advice about equipment and programs, installation and repairs, etc. I'm not suggesting that you should do this, but it would be another example of making the most (or at least more) of what the meta keyword aspect of SEO makes possible -- and you're still not repeating yourself, are you?

Duncan

[dartman]

I agree with the comma separation. It seems tho that meta keywords may not hold much importance. I have seen sites with keyword cramming listed at the top of the serp which indicates there is no penalty for this practice (although some supposed authorities say limit word duplication to 3). It appears there is more emphasis on the title, meta description and text in the first occurance of an H1 tag to trigger a SE result.

[LD]

Thanks - your thoughts are appreciated

I normally don't worry too much about the keys, but just ensure that the most logical keys are inserted first and ensure they are also in the title and H1 and H2 text near the top.

In the grand scheme of things it is a small part of the bigger SEO picture, but just the same I wanted to make sure it is done the right way.